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Sorry to hear about the problem with your boots. As a comparison, I am a similar size to you although a lot flabbier . I got my first pair of old Freestones at the beginning of 2007 and bought a second pair at the end of 2008 when they announced the new version. Neither of my pairs have anything like the kind of wear yours do - the only thing that has worn on them are the soles. I think the fact that they are now glueing the upper to the sole as opposed to stitching it on is a major design flaw as is the material they are using for the uppers. It is nothing like as durable as the material on the old boots. I hope they sort it out for you otherwise Simms are going to be losing a lot of customers - both existing and future!

The glueing of the sole, is not going to cause the toe caps to fray the way they do. As far as I know, there has not been a single report of the sole and the upper separating. The problem seems to be with the vibram that is glued to the sole, this seems to separete from the sole, but not the sole from the upper. The ones with the felt still have no problems with the soles,, but seem to have the toe cap issue which is common to both vibram and felt models.

Disclaimer.... none of my posts are intended to be "expert advice"..just opinions from someone who is willing to help where he can.

The glueing of the sole, is not going to cause the toe caps to fray the way they do. As far as I know, there has not been a single report of the sole and the upper separating. The problem seems to be with the vibram that is glued to the sole, this seems to separete from the sole, but not the sole from the upper. The ones with the felt still have no problems with the soles,, but seem to have the toe cap issue which is common to both vibram and felt models.

IIRC Kevin Cox's boots had the sole come away from the upper. Denton's don't look like they are far behind. As far as rubber soles go, the better the grip the quicker they will wear - exactly like good car tyres. Whether they are Aquastealth or Vibram Streamtread they will wear quickly as "sticky" rubber is softer. I don't mind replacing soles as long as the rest of the boot holds out ito stitching, upper durability and upper to sole connection.

“Apparently people don't like the truth, but I do like it; I like it because it upsets a lot of people. If you show them enough times that their arguments are bullshit, then maybe just once, one of them will say, 'Oh! Wait a minute - I was wrong.' I live for that happening. Rare, I assure you” ― Lemmy Kilmister

granted there is a definate problem here but the fact that you guys are useing these boots to walk into the streams,does that not affect the longetivity of the boot.are they made for hiking and bundu bashing?

IIRC Kevin Cox's boots had the sole come away from the upper. Denton's don't look like they are far behind. As far as rubber soles go, the better the grip the quicker they will wear - exactly like good car tyres. Whether they are Aquastealth or Vibram Streamtread they will wear quickly as "sticky" rubber is softer. I don't mind replacing soles as long as the rest of the boot holds out ito stitching, upper durability and upper to sole connection.

Ok, fair enough, I have not seen Kevins, or Dentons sole to upper connections, so cannot comment . I do know that both of them have the toe cap problem though.

Disclaimer.... none of my posts are intended to be "expert advice"..just opinions from someone who is willing to help where he can.

granted there is a definate problem here but the fact that you guys are useing these boots to walk into the streams,does that not affect the longetivity of the boot.are they made for hiking and bundu bashing?

hey old boy!!! Long time no hear!

The reason I chose the vibrim over the felt is they are designed for walking into the more remote areas.... Slight compomise in grip in the water but supposed to be harder wearing....